The Collaborating Political Parties (CPP), along with the Liberia National Union (LNU) and the African Liberation League (ALL), are calling for a forensic examination of the used and unused ballot papers from the October 10 polls.
The parties believe that this examination will help address concerns and provide reassurance to the Liberian people. They have requested the cooperation of the National Elections Commission (NEC) in this matter.
Many Liberians, including supporters of the three parties, have doubts about the announced results, especially in the presidential contest. And to address these concerns, they have decided to conduct a forensic examination of the ballot papers by independent experts, at no cost to the NEC. They are therefore appealing to the NEC to not destroy the used and unused ballot papers after the final results are announced, highlighting the importance of maintaining confidence in the electoral process.
“Many Liberians, including partisans, supporters and well-wishers of our parties are deeply concerned about the announced results of the October 10, 2023 elections, especially the presidential contest,” the parties said in a release on Tuesday, October 24. “As a result, we have decided to conduct a forensic examination of the ballot papers, by experts, at no cost to the national elections commission (NEC).”
“We, therefore, request the NEC to not destroy the used and unused ballots papers after the final results are announced.”
The political stakeholders noted all Liberians need to continue to believe in the conduct of free and fair elections as the best way to choose their leaders.
“If that process now leaves many with disbelief and doubt, we should all be willing to take the required action to clear the doubts,” the release noted.
The forensic examinations, they believe, will assist in offering that much-needed reassurance to the Liberian people. “We, therefore, urge your cooperation and support in this particular endeavor,” they told the NEC.
The CPP, LNU, and ALL, led by Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Dr. Clarence Kpehe Moniba, and Alexander B. Cummings respectively, were unsuccessful in the October 10 polls. In light of this, the African Liberation League has conceded defeat and called upon the Liberian people to remain peaceful and calm.
Dr. Clarence Kpehe Moniba expressed his determination to continue their efforts, stating that despite the setback, they are one step closer to their ultimate goal of a better Liberia. He thanked his supporters for their sacrifices and emphasized that the journey has just begun.
There is no existing law in Liberia that requires the National Elections Commission to provide ballot papers to political parties for forensic examinations. The parties’ request raises questions about whether the electoral body will comply as the country prepares for a runoff election.
Source: Daily Observer
